Well this was the day when I could have thrown in the towel. It was as simple as, can I walk, or can’t I.

My Dad cautioned me about doing myself permanent injury, which was good advice, so I wouldn’t have carried on if I’d needed anything stronger than a knee support and ibuprofen.

So I was relived to make it through the, admittedly short, day. Way back in 2023 I was way ahead of where I am now. I’m telling myself that it doesn’t matter.

Such a relief

After the first few tentative steps walking down the road from the campsite and back on to the coastal path, my knee wasn’t feeling too bad. I was just taking my time, especially on the downward parts, and trying to be careful. It wasn’t painless but certainly not unbearable and no where near how painful it’d been the day before.

Having a rest day was definitely one of my better decisions.

I was also excited. In 7 miles I’d be in Sidmouth and I’d be able to get something to eat and also, the most exciting part, send some of my kit home. This was the last time on this journey I’d have to carry those items. It was a nice feeling.

I wouldn’t say the walk to Sidmouth was easy but it was most enjoyable. Some difficult parts but also some easier stretches. And the views stayed amazing and of course the weather remained dry and hot (again, maybe a bit too hot but I’m not allowed to say that). I met a few people and had short chats. Everyone is also so nice on the trail. I’ve not yet met anyone doing the whole route in one like I am but I’m sure that’ll come.

Yes, the day was going well. And, soon, the weight will be lifted. Well some of it anyway.

Back to the wall

Once in Sidmouth I found a bakery and bought a sandwich and a massive cake. A guy was standing next to me and I could see the envy in his eyes when I ordered it. He told me not to worry as I’d burn it off. Made me laugh.

I then asked the lady serving if the seagulls are bad here. She said terrible and that it’s best to eat with your back to a wall as they tend to attack from behind. So that’s exactly what I did. I found a little side street, sat on the floor, and ate my lunch. I’d not really had breakfast so it was definitely needed and the street was so quiet I relaxed. Better than the sea front in my opinion.

The only downside was that it was near toilets so I had to witness multiple men waiting outside for their partners to emerge. One was loudly tutting that his wife was taking so long. How do people stay married for so long?

Then it was off to Boots to get a new knee support and then to post some of my kit back home.

I was determined not to worry about time today. I’d spoken to a girl earlier who was wild camping and she’d managed to find a spot between and Exmouth and Sidmouth so I knew I’d be fine and could take my time. In fact, I don’t think rushing increases the chance of getting a decent spot anyway. Probably counterproductive.

Let’s be savvy

I was in Sidmouth longer than I expected but I thought that I’d probably be wild camping at the end of the day so it didn’t matter. In fact it was better I take my time to make sure I had everything I needed as I probably wouldn’t have access to any food or water after I left.

The most complex part of the mission was posting my things back home. In the post office there was a medium back size and a large. The large was massive but the medium looked a squeeze. So, 5 minutes later I’m sat on a bench trying to push my stuff into a bag that was, now obviously, too small.

A man with a walking frame came and sat next to me and started chatting. He was called Kieran and used to work in the butchers. He told me I needed a bigger bag. So, leaving Kieran in charge of my rucksack I went back to the post office to buy a bigger bag. There was a queue and it was not moving, and I have no patience, so went next door to Tesco to buy some sellotape.

Now back with Kieran, as he helped me stick an old plastic bag I already had, to the medium bag I’d just bought but was too small. I think we did a half decent job, and hopefully it’ll stay in one piece for the journey. Plus Kieran got to keep the rest of the sellotape (extra bonus – it was on club card price).

I loaded up with more water on the way out of Sidmouth, so added weight, but I could tell during the climb that my pack felt lighter. Also, my knee with the new support felt less sore as well. Despite all this, I still stopped for a long break overlooking the town.

There’s wasn’t much point making too much progress today as I might have ended up near Exmouth and as you need to get a ferry from there, which starts its service at 10am, you may as well stop short if you can find a good spot and then take the ferry in the morning. If you get too near Exmouth camping can be more tricky.

Sometimes things just work out

As I said on the video, I met a lovely couple who gave me a few pointers on where to camp. The main thing though, they gave me some confidence.

When I wild camp, especially in England, I’m very paranoid about getting caught or, even worse, upsetting someone. So I was quite proud of myself that when I found a decent spot, overlooking Budleigh Salterton, that I stopped and committed to the spot. I didn’t put the tent up until dark, I’m not that brave. But it was pretty obvious what I was doing. And I didn’t mind.